National Grid Electricity Distribution has introduced a new all-terrain tyre across its van fleet to tackle challenging off-road conditions. Developed through a collaboration between Micheldever Fleet Solutions (MFS) and General Tire, the new solution aims to enhance vehicle performance and reliability for field engineers working in rural locations.
Serving 20 million customers across the Midlands, South-West, and South Wales, National Grid's engineers frequently need to access remote infrastructure sites. Traditional van tyres struggled on varied terrain, while 4x4 vehicles lacked the equipment-carrying capacity required for operational efficiency.
Hampshire-based MFS, alongside General Tire, adapted the General Tire Grabber AT3 for van applications. This tyre is designed for both on-road and off-road use, offering a balance between durability and daily usability. To meet the needs of National Grid’s heavily equipped vans, the partners developed additional van-specific sizes with the appropriate load index ratings.
Nigel Wright, Transport Area Controller at National Grid Electricity Distribution, highlighted that the tyre upgrade "ensures greater operational responsiveness and efficiency" for their extensive fleet.
Beyond National Grid, the enhanced General Tire Grabber AT3 is now positioned to serve broader utility and commercial fleets requiring similar off-road capabilities without sacrificing payload capacity. Peter Gittens, Head of MFS, emphasised that this collaboration delivers a solution applicable across multiple fleet sectors.
The adaptation of all-terrain tyres for commercial van fleets reflects a growing trend in the tyre industry: custom-fit solutions for diverse operational needs. As fleets increasingly demand multipurpose vehicles capable of handling varied environments, tyre manufacturers are responding with products that bridge the gap between off-road performance and load-bearing capability, supporting sectors such as utilities, construction, and infrastructure maintenance.
Tagged with: National Grid, General Tire Grabber AT3, Micheldever Fleet Solutions, all-terrain van tyres, commercial vehicle tyres, fleet tyre solutions, utility sector tyres
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